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United States
Trump says Isis second in command Abu-Bilal ‘eliminated from battlefield’
American and Nigerian forces had assassinated Abu-Bilal al-Minuki in a ‘flawlessly executed mission’, the US president said on Truth Social.
2 minutes ago
Middle East
Lebanon and Israel extend ceasefire despite new strikes
16 May 2026 - 4:08AM
Israel-Gaza war
‘No nation’: Palestinians in Gaza mark anniversary of 1948 mass expulsion
15 May 2026 - 11:39PM
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Middle East
US casts first day of Israel-Lebanon talks as ‘positive’
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues in Lebanon as officials hold high-stakes talks ahead of Sunday deadline.
15 May 2026 - 10:39AM
Flares fired by Israeli forces in Arnoun, as seen from Marjayoun, Lebanon, on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
2026 Xi-Trump summit
Trump says Xi offered help on Iran as China seeks to keep Hormuz open
Chinese leader’s overture underscores how global issues are increasingly shaping US-China diplomacy and trade talks.
15 May 2026 - 6:16AM
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US, Israel war on Iran
UAE denies Israel’s Netanyahu made secret visit during Iran war
Netanyahu’s office claims a ‘historic breakthrough’, but Abu Dhabi dismisses reports of any clandestine meeting.
14 May 2026 - 10:39AM
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Vietnam
Vietnam asks US to let crucial oil tanker slip past Hormuz blockade
The ship’s destination, Nghi Son, can process 200,000 barrels a day – meaning the 1.99 million barrel load can keep it going for 10 days.
13 May 2026 - 11:42AM
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Agios Fanourios I arrives in Iraq’s territorial waters off Basra for loading on April 17. Photo: Reuters
Middle East
Israel strikes Lebanon as 380 reported killed since April 17 ceasefire
Hezbollah leader vows to turn battlefield into ‘hell’ as Lebanon and Israel get set for more talks in Washington.
13 May 2026 - 11:43AM
US, Israel war on Iran
China presses Pakistan to deepen Iran mediation ahead of Trump-Xi talks
Wang Yi highlights Strait of Hormuz security and regional stability as Middle East tensions loom over Beijing talks.
13 May 2026 - 3:40AM
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2026 Xi-Trump summit
Trump rejects ‘garbage’ Iran peace plan before heading to China
The US president will probably seek help from China’s Xi Jinping given the lack of progress on ending the conflict with Iran.
12 May 2026 - 5:00PM
Israel-Gaza war
Israel pushes ahead with Eichmann-style tribunal for October 7 attackers
Israeli lawmakers set up a special tribunal and allow for the death penalty for Hamas-led 2023 attackers.
12 May 2026 - 2:32PM
The 1962 trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann was broadcast live on television. Photo: AFP
South Korea
South Korea cautious on blaming Iran for ship strike ahead of US-China summit
Seoul has footage of the May 4 attack on the HMM Namu but analysts say it is biding its time, hoping ‘the dust will settle’.
12 May 2026 - 2:15PM
2026 Xi-Trump summit
From ‘Taco’ to ‘Nacho’: Wall Street’s new buzzword as Trump preps for China trip
Traders’ catch-cry ‘Not a chance Hormuz opens’ replaces ‘Trump always chickens out’ as grim predictions swirl over gridlock, oil prices.
12 May 2026 - 11:27AM
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US, Israel war on Iran
US tells banks to flag suspected Iranian money-laundering networks
Banks are asked to look out for oil labelled ‘Malaysian blend’ to disguise its Iranian origin and missing or falsified shipping documents.
12 May 2026 - 11:04AM
Middle East
Israeli soldiers jailed for desecration of Virgin Mary statue in Lebanon
Viral photo shows an Israeli soldier with his arm around statue, holding a cigarette up to its mouth.
12 May 2026 - 12:22PM
An IDF soldier appearing to put a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary. Photo: Reuters
Israel
Israel’s election may end the Netanyahu era but not the ‘forever wars’
After nearly two decades and six terms in office, Israel’s prime minister could be on his way out. But little looks likely to change.
11 May 2026 - 8:00AM
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Middle East
Jailed Iran Nobel laureate transferred to hospital after medical crisis
Narges Mohammadi’s transfer comes after days of pleading by her family and others who described her condition as critical.
11 May 2026 - 1:21PM
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US, Israel war on Iran
‘Playing games’: Trump calls Iran’s response to US peace proposal ‘unacceptable’
Both sides remain far apart as Tehran demands war reparations and control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran state TV.
11 May 2026 - 10:57AM
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The USS Rafael Peralta enforcing a US maritime blockade on April 24. Photo: US Navy via AFP
US, Israel war on Iran
Netanyahu says war ‘not over’ until Iran’s uranium is physically removed
Israeli leader says nuclear material must be ‘taken out’, as US-Iran ceasefire remains tenuous.
11 May 2026 - 11:44AM
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Israel-Gaza war
Spanish, Brazilian flotilla activists released after detention in Israel
Israel deported two activists it detained near Greece for leading an aid flotilla attempting to break the naval blockade on Gaza.
10 May 2026 - 6:06PM
US, Israel war on Iran
Iran responds to US proposal, as Qatari tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz
The response, sent via Pakistan, focuses on ending the war on all fronts, especially Lebanon, and on the safety of shipping in the waterway.
11 May 2026 - 12:19AM
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US, Israel war on Iran
US-Iran war no closer to ending as Gulf clashes flare
Recent days have seen the biggest flare-ups in fighting in and around the Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire began a month ago.
9 May 2026 - 8:56PM
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A US ship receives fuel at sea last month, during a fragile ceasefire in the US-Iran war. Photo: US Navy via AFP
South Korea
South Korea draws Gulf oil storage interest as Hormuz stays closed
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE are among major oil producers looking to South Korea’s underground storage facilities, officials say.
9 May 2026 - 1:14PM
US, Israel war on Iran
New Israel-Lebanon talks to try to curb Hezbollah influence in region: Rubio
Marco Rubio says Washington is also awaiting Iran’s response to a new US proposal to end the conflict in the region.
9 May 2026 - 4:56AM
China energy security
China’s shipping firms brace for a new ‘era of chaos’ as Iran war drags on
Chinese shipping giants are signing long contracts and rejigging their networks, as they hedge against prolonged disruptions to global trade routes.
8 May 2026 - 9:30PM
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